Quick disconnect method and apparatus for utility power distribution system

ABSTRACT

A quick release connector for tensioned power lines, the connector comprising: a first component, said first component attached to a power line segment; and a second component attached to a second generally collinear power line segment, said second component comprising a locking clamp mechanism that selectively clamps the first component and automatically releases upon the application of a longitudinal force of predetermined magnitude along the clamp.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Art

The present invention relates generally to a utility power line safetyand maintenance device. More specifically, but without limitation, thepresent invention relates to a quick release device for connecting powerlines often at or near junctures such as utility poles.

The occurrence and costliness of severe weather events have increased inthe last few decades. Nine of the top 10 costliest hurricanes to hit theU.S. mainland occurred in the last decade. In October 2012, HurricaneSandy's violent winds damaged thousands of utility poles and left morethan 8.5 million people without power (U.S. Department of Energy, 2012).To respond, the Southern Pressure Treaters' Association (“SPTA”) shipped65,100 wood poles and 103,500 cross arms. However, the total number ofutility poles repaired is slightly higher than this since several woodpole providers in the United States are not members of SPTA.

Over a six week period in 2004, four hurricanes struck Florida, damaging3,000 miles of power line, 32,000 utility poles, and 22,000transformers. In 2008 when Hurricane Ike struck the gulf coast of Texaswith 110 mph hurricane winds, the result was 2.15 million householdswithout power.

Hurricane Katrina in 2005 resulted in 1.7 million people without power.Power outages and other damage caused by these storms are not onlycostly; they are also very time consuming. Rodney Walter, SeniorEngineer: Planning & Reliability at Indiana Michigan Power, a unit ofAmerican Electric Power, estimates that the cost to replace a singleutility pole is $3,200 and takes a crew approximately 4 hours toreplace, depending on the accessibility of the location. However, theeconomic cost of not restoring power quickly is much higher.

For some utility companies, restoration costs exceed net operatingincome for the year. From 1994 to 2004, utility companies spent $3million per day, on average, to repair systems following a major storm.However, the economic impact of an area or city functioning withoutelectric service for any number of days is far greater than the cost ofrepairing the damage. Because of this, utility companies incuradditional costs to request outside aid and restore power as quickly aspossible.

Increasing restoration costs also result from population increases asutility companies expand systems to serve the new customers. Because thepower lines and utility poles of the distribution system are frequentlydamaged or knocked down during a severe weather event, a method allowingfor graceful degradation of the distribution system and/or componentsthat minimize impact and enable fast recovery is desired. Currently,power restoration efforts consist of repair workers replacing damagedutility poles and repairing power lines. The proposed Quick ReleaseConnector interfaces with the existing distribution system to reduceexcess loading forces on a utility pole, preventing damage to the poleand power line and allowing rapid power restoration.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Several prior art solutions have been proposed to address the problem ofdowned power lines. However, none of the known prior art solutions is aseffective at interfacing with the existing distribution system to reduceexcess loading forces on a utility pole, thereby preventing damage tothe pole and power line and allowing rapid power restoration.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,711,049 discloses a limiter fixed at one end to a powerline tower, or pole arm, and at the other to an insulator attached to apower line. Movement of the line beyond a predetermined limit in eitherdirection causes the limiter to release the insulator, dropping the lineand preventing damage to the tower. In one modification, angularmovement of the insulator upsets a toggle held in position by a latch insuch manner that a cam surface attached to the insulator lifts the latchas the insulator pivots beyond a predetermined angle. The cam shapedetermines the angle which causes unlatching. In another modification,the horizontal component of the force on the tower is resisted by aspring-loaded lever system; and when the force exceeds a predeterminedamount, the spring releases the lever system and the insulator isreleased.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,761,865 discloses a breakaway connector attached to apole to release a cable supporting electrical wires extending to abuilding upon excessive pull on the cable, caused by high winds, iceaccumulation, accident or the like. A disconnect is provided in each ofthe electrical wires adjacent the pole so that the wires will bedisconnected when the cable is released, thereby preventing chargedelectrical wires from lying on the ground. The breakaway connectorincludes a pivotal detent bar which is longitudinally shiftable towardsthe cable against the bias of a relatively heavy compression spring. Thecable is connected to the detent bar by a ring looped over an uprightportion of the bar. Cable tension on the ring tends to both rotate andlongitudinally shift the bar. Under normal cable load conditions, thebar engages stop means to prevent its rotation; however, excessive pullon the cable longitudinally shifts the bar away from the stop means toallow its rotation which, in turn, releases the ring and cable from thedetent bar. Each disconnect for a wire includes a female clip having asocket and a male clip having a stub which is split longitudinally andis provided with pipe threads, on the inside, while an Allen screw foradjustment along the threads adjusts the friction fit between the stuband the socket. A plastic cover which extends beyond each clip andprotects the connection from weather is attached to the female clip, sothat it will remain with the female clip, when the clips separate. Thisprevents a short between the female clips of several disconnected wires,after separation.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,195,192 discloses a safety disconnect switch formounting on a utility pole to serve as an anchor at one end of asuspended service entrance cable extending to a remote building, so asto first disconnect the cable and then drop it harmlessly to the groundupon an excessive tension force being applied to the cable by a fallingtree or the like. This device includes a movable terminal clamping meansor slider that joins the terminal ends of the wires of the suspendedcable to the bus bars of the incoming power supply lead wires. A detentswitch mechanism or means holds the movable terminal clamping means ineither a first fixed position or a second cable-released position. Thedetent switch means also includes a locking means and a trigger means toopen the locking means upon a predetermined tension force being exertedon the suspended cable.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,011,437 discloses a connector for connecting anelectrically conductive cable to the terminal post of a wet-cell storagebattery in such a manner as to facilitate quick connection anddisconnection therebetween.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,315,064 discloses a suspended line cable breakawaydevice including a first body portion for connecting to a first end of asupport cable and a second body portion for connecting to a second endof the support cable. The first body portion includes resilient fingershaving nubs, which are releasably received by slots contained in acavity wall of the second body portion. A biased spreader, slidablycontained in a cavity in the second body portion, is displaceableaxially along the cavity by an external force along the support cable tourge the nubs outwardly such that the second body portion is disengagedfrom the first body portion, simultaneously disconnecting componentlines of a first end of a suspended line from corresponding componentlines of a second end of the suspended line. A shield protects thecomponent line connections, which are spaced internal to the device,from the elements. One embodiment provides a breakaway device for athree-component line and a first modified embodiment provides abreakaway device for a four-component line. A second modified embodimentprovides a breakaway device without internal component line connections.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,581,051 discloses an insulating assembly for an overheadpower line having a main subassembly formed of two parallel spacedinsulators joined at their ends by aluminum end pieces. The end pieceseach have a slot aligned with the space between the two insulators and arod projecting from the end piece in alignment with the slot but belowthe slot. This arrangement enables the subassembly to be hung on a hotpower line with the line passing along the slots and the space betweenthe insulators. The rods may be clamped to the line by any suitabledevice such as wedges and C-shaped clamps. With the subassembly thusmechanically and electrically connected securely to the line, the linecan be severed at a location between the end pieces and the free endsforced apart.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,789,700 discloses a grounding device for positivelygrounding a broken electrical conductor has a primary body having amounting post extending therefrom. A bracket is fixed to the polecarrying the conductor, and a clamp connects the mounting post to thebracket. To raise the grounding device, an extension bracket is fixed tothe bracket, and the grounding device is clamped to the extensionbracket. A secondary body is rotatable with respect to the primary body.A spring-urged tongue carried by the primary body is held in place byhooks on the secondary body; so, when the secondary body is rotated, thehooks are moved, and the tongue is projected from the housing.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,942,723 discloses an isolating switch for an electricpower line including a sub-assembly made up of two electricallyconductive and pieces interconnected by at least one insulator. The endpieces have respective aligned grooves for registry with the electricpower line, and securing members for permanently securing the end piecesto the electric power line. The sub-assembly is provided with two keeperbars for mounting the sub-assembly to the power line prior topermanently securing the end pieces to the power line. Each of thekeeper bars is pivotally mounted on a respective one of the end piecesand is pivotable manually between a first position in which the keeperbar is completely clear of the groove and a second position in which thekeeper bar extends across the groove to retain the sub-assembly on thepower line. A detent member is provided on each end piece forcooperation with the respective keeper bar, and a spring member urgesthe keeper bar and detent member into mutual engagement when the keeperbar is in the second position to retain the keeper bar in the secondposition.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,062,915 discloses an electrode connector for securelyholding a thin flexible electrode. The electrode connector includes abottom jaw member and an upper jaw member that are selectively movablebetween an open position and a closed position. The upper jaw member andthe bottom jaw member are biased into a closed position. The electrodeconnector includes an electrical contact assembly configured to provideelectrical contact with the flexible electrode. The electrical contactassembly comprises a contact platform and a contact pin attachedthereto. The contact platform is configured to form an electricalcontact with the contact area of the flexible electrode.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,851,262 discloses a tool for securing a connector on aconductor using an explosive charge includes a first tool member and asecond tool member movably mounted on the first tool member. A breechchamber is defined in at least one of the first and second tool members.The breech chamber is adapted to receive the explosive charge. A breechopening is defined in at least one of the first and second tool membersand communicates with the breech chamber. A drive member is provided.The tool is adapted to forcibly move the drive member responsive to anexplosion of the explosive charge in the breech chamber. The second toolmember is movable between a closed position, wherein the breech openingis closed, and an open position, wherein the breech opening is open toallow loading and unloading of the explosive charge into and from thebreech chamber, by sliding the second tool member relative to the firsttool member along a slide axis and additionally pivoting the second toolmember relative to the first tool member about a pivot axis transverseto the slide axis.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,164,079 discloses an overhead service drop extendingbetween a utility pole and a customer location including at least onepower conductor, a neutral conductor messenger supporting itself and thepower conductor, and a separable power connector between the powerconductor and a corresponding utility power conductor adjacent theutility pole. The overhead service drop further includes a separableneutral connector between the neutral conductor messenger and acorresponding utility neutral conductor, and a mechanical breakawaymember between the neutral conductor messenger and the utility pole. Themechanical breakaway member breaks away prior to breakage of the neutralconductor messenger to permit preferential separation of the separablepower and neutral connectors based upon increased tension imparted tothe neutral conductor messenger by a falling object.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,300,301 discloses a quick-release conductor head forengaging a conductor, but capable of quickly releasing the conductor, ifnecessary. The quick-release conductor head includes a body forreceiving the conductor, a latch pivotally connected to the body, alocking system for temporarily maintaining the latch in a closedposition, and an opening system for automatically moving the latch fromthe closed position to the open position. In the closed position, theconductor is maintained within the body, while in the open position thebody can be easily disengaged from the conductor.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,943,871 discloses an in-line electrical conductor switchincluding a frame, an electrical connection section movably connected tothe frame, and a rotational stability device. The frame includes firstand second connection sections insulated from each other by anelectrical isolation section. The first and second connection sectionsare configured to connect to respective ends of first and secondelectrical conductors. The switch is entirely supported by the first andsecond electrical conductors. The electrical connection section ismovably connected to the frame between a first connected position and asecond disconnected position. The rotational stability device isconnected to the frame and adapted to reduce or prevent rotation of theframe about an axis through the ends of the electrical conductors duringmovement of the electrical connection section to the second disconnectedposition.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,389,881 discloses a conductor termination system for usewith an electrical power transmission conductor includes a terminationassembly and a connector. The termination assembly includes an endmember and an integral retainer mechanism. The end member includes areceiver portion configured to receive a segment of the conductor. Theretainer mechanism includes a moveable keeper member on the end member.The retainer mechanism is operable to selectively clamp a segment of theconductor in the receiver portion to the end member and to apply aretention load to the conductor segment. The connector is adapted to beapplied to the end member and the conductor to securely clamp theconductor segment to the end member.

The prior art, however, has failed to fully address the need for a safe,effective, reliable, low cost, system for releasing a power line from autility pole prior to the power distribution system suffering damageand/or prior to live power lines being pulled to ground level.

SUMMARY

The proposed quick release connector of the present inventionindependently detects unexpected mechanical loads on power distributionlines. The present invention is useful for any above ground electricalline. Thus, although the words “power line” or “power distribution line”are used herein, the present invention is useful for so called utilitylines, service lines, or another above ground power transmission line.When the quick release connector of the present invention is used, asline tension reaches a predetermined release level, the line is releasedand falls to the ground such that the components of the quick releaseconnector remain attached to their respective power line segments sothat the components may be easily reached for line reattachment.Basically, one component remains on line near pole and other componentis on the ground

The presently disclosed and claimed quick release connector usesexisting methods and hardware to integrate into the existinginfrastructure of power distribution lines. No special tools or skillsare required.

Generally, the quick release apparatus of the present inventioncomprises a quick release connector for connecting power lines, theconnector comprising: a first component, said first component comprisinga first end, said first end comprising means for attaching a power linesegment to the quick release connector, and a second end, said secondend preferably comprising a tab and; a second component, said secondcomponent comprising means for attaching a power line segment to thequick release connector and a locking clamp mechanism that lockinglyengages the tab of the first component and automatically releases uponthe application of a force of predetermined magnitude appliedlongitudinally along the clamp.

In this manner the quick release connector of the present invention,unlike the prior art, provides a device that can be used with existingpower lines where the connection mechanism releases upon the applicationof a predetermined force along the connector.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be understood more fully from the detaileddescription given hereinafter and from the accompanying drawings of thepreferred embodiment of the present invention, which, however, shouldnot be taken to limit the invention, but are for explanation andunderstanding only.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an apparatus according to the presentinvention with the apparatus installed on a power line.

FIG. 2 shows a top view of an apparatus according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 shows a bottom view of an apparatus according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 shows a side view of an apparatus according to the presentinvention with the apparatus in the open position.

FIG. 5 shows a side cross sectional view of an apparatus according tothe present invention with the apparatus fully open.

FIG. 6 shows a close-up side view of an apparatus according to thepresent invention with the apparatus in the open position.

FIG. 7 shows a side view of an apparatus according to the presentinvention with the apparatus in the closed position.

FIG. 8 shows a side cross sectional view of an apparatus according tothe present invention with the apparatus fully closed.

FIG. 9 shows a close-up side cross sectional view of an apparatusaccording to the present invention with the apparatus in the closedposition.

FIG. 10 shows a far away perspective view of the apparatus installed ona power line.

FIG. 11 shows a near perspective view of an apparatus installed on apower line prior to cutting the power line.

FIG. 12 shows a close up perspective view of the swing arms of anapparatus installed on a power line prior to cutting the power line.

FIG. 13 shows a near perspective view of an apparatus installed on apower line after the power line has been cut.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will be discussed hereinafter in detail in termsof the preferred embodiment according to the present invention withreference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description,numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present invention. It will be obvious, however, tothose skilled in the art that the present invention may be practicedwithout these specific details. In other instances, well-knownstructures are not shown in detail in order to avoid unnecessaryobscuring of the present invention.

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and isnot intended to limit the described embodiments or the application anduses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary”or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, orillustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or“illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred oradvantageous over other implementations.

All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementationsprovided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use theembodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope ofthe disclosure, which is defined by the claims. In the presentdescription, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “rear”, “right”,“front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof shall relateto the invention as oriented in FIG. 1.

Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed orimplied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background,brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to beunderstood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in theattached drawings, and described in the following specification, aresimply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in theappended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physicalcharacteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not tobe considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

As previously discussed, it is desirable to provide a means, fixed atone end of a power line, for, upon detecting a force on the line beyonda predetermined load in any direction, releasing the power line anddropping the line to the ground thereby preventing damage to the tower.

Referring first to FIG. 1, there is shown a side perspective view of aquick release connector 1000 for power lines according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, quick releaseconnector 1000 generally comprises first component 100 attached to apower line segment. Quick release connector 1000 further comprises asecond component 200 attached to a second power line segment, where saidsecond power line segment is generally collinear with the first powerline segment. As further illustrated in FIG. 1, first component 100 andsecond component 200 of quick release connector 1000 are attached to oneanother via selectively releasable mechanical clamping mechanism 300.

Referring next to FIG. 2, there is shown a top view of quick releaseconnector 1000 for power lines according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, quick release connector 1000generally comprises first component 100 attached to a power linesegment. Quick release connector 1000 further comprises a secondcomponent 200 attached to a second power line segment, where said secondpower line segment is generally collinear with the first power linesegment.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a bottom view of quick releaseconnector 1000 for power lines according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, quick release connector 1000generally comprises first component 100 attached to a power linesegment. Quick release connector 1000 further comprises a secondcomponent 200 attached to a second power line segment, where said secondpower line segment is generally collinear with the first power linesegment.

Turning now to FIG. 4, there is shown a side view of quick releaseconnector 1000 for power lines according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention, where connector 1000 is in the open position.Quick release connector 1000 comprises first component 100. Component100 comprises a first end having means to connect to a segment of autility power line. In an exemplary embodiment, such means compriseswedge connector 120. Component 100 further comprises a second end. Thesecond end of component 100 preferably comprises a knob or tab 130.

Referring still to FIG. 4, in the preferred embodiment, electricalcurrent flows through connector 1000 first and then through the powerline. As a result, when inappropriate tension is detected on the lineand connector 1000 is released, current will no longer flow through theline when it goes to the ground. This design prevents the creation of asafety hazard in addition to maintaining the integrity of any affectedutility pole or other physical structure. When the device is installedin loop distribution lines, the installer can consider the direction ofthe current flow to minimize the safety risk if the line is releasedfrom the connector.

Referring again to FIG. 4, quick release connector 1000 furthercomprises second component 200. Second component 200 comprises a firstend and a second end. The first end of second component 200 of quickrelease connector 1000 comprises means to connect to a segment of autility power line. In an exemplary embodiment, such means compriseswedge connector 220. The second end of second component 200 is attachedto or comprises releasable locking clamp mechanism 300.

Referring again to FIG. 4, quick release connector 1000 furthercomprises locking clamp mechanism 300 disposed between and connectingcomponent 100 and component 200. Mechanism 300 functions similarly to apair of locking pliers. As illustrated in FIGS. 4 through 9, mechanism300 releasably and selectively engages tab 130 of component 100.

Regular pliers pivot around a single pivot point to apply pressure whenthe handles are squeezed, locking pliers rely on multiple pivot pointsto expand and contract the mechanical jaw in direct proportion to theamount of force applied to the handles.

Typically, locking pliers have three different pivot points along ahandle. The handle is a long lever which pivots around the lower pointon a jaw which causes the distance between the adjusting point (thesecond pivot point) to expand. Finally a third pivot point, which islocated at the jaw of the pliers is forced closed. Thus, locking pliersuse various pivot points and levers to operate the device, so when beingused, the force applied is exponential.

Again, when pressure is applied to the handles of locking pliers, thehandle pivots around a lower pivot point on the jaw of the device; thisaction causes the distance between the jaw and another pivot point, theadjusting point, to expand somewhat. A third pivot point, located nearthe top of the device jaw, completes the action by pushing the vice gripjaws closed. When the handles are close enough together, the pliers lockin place due to simple mechanical principles. To unlock locking pliers,one pulls the lower portion of the handle away from the upper portionuntil the handles of the device reach a necessary level of separation.Usually, a small lever on the handle releases pressure and allows thehandle to return to an angle of more than 180 degrees.

Because the locking pliers use levers and multiple pivot points, theyare able to mechanically multiply the force applied to the lever. Eachof these interactions multiplies the force so that a large movement ofthe handle results in a small movement in the jaws. The ratio betweenthe movements is the inverse of the ratio of the forces. That is, if thehandle moves 1 inch for 1/10 of an inch movement of the jaws, a force of10 pounds on the handle results in a 100 pound force at the jaws.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show the components of connector 1000 in an open position,including first component 100, second component 200, and clampingmechanism 300. FIGS. 7 and 8 show the components of connector 1000 in aclosed position, including first component 100, second component 200,and clamping mechanism 300. FIG. 6, further illustrates a close-up viewof mechanism 300 in the open position, and FIG. 9 illustrates a close-upview of mechanism 300 in the closed position.

As shown in the several FIGS. 4-9, clamping mechanism 300 comprises body310. Body 310 further comprises a first end and a second end. Upper jaw315 is attached to body 310 at the first end of body 310.

Referring still to FIGS. 4 through 9, clamping mechanism 300 furthercomprises lower jaw 320. Lower jaw 320 is pivotally attached to body 310such that jaw 320 is movable relative to jaw 315.

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 4 through 9, clamping mechanism 300 furthercomprises handle 330. Handle 330 comprises a first end and a second endwhere said first end of handle 330 is pivotally attached to lower jaw320. Mechanism 300 further comprises linkage 340 having a first end anda second end. The first end of linkage 340 is pivotally attached tohandle 330. The second end of linkage 340 is pivotly attached orslidingly engaged with body 310.

The arrangement of pivot points between handle 330, jaws 315 and 320,and linkage 340 allow mechanism 300 to lock in place when pulledsufficiently close to body 310.

Referring now to FIG. 6, mechanism 300 further comprises a generallyL-shaped releasing arm 350 pivotally attached to body 310, and a spring345 operably attached to body 310. As will be discussed later herein,release bar 350 is operably connected to body 310 and cooperates withspring 345 to disengage mechanism 300 from a locked position by bumpinglink 340 out of locked position.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 9, in each drawing there is shown a sideview of body 310 and release arm 350 of mechanism 300 according to thepresent invention. As illustrated in FIG. 6, mechanism 300 furthercomprises biasing compression spring 360. Spring 360 includes top nut361 and rod 362. Rod 362 traverses release arm 350 and connects to upperjaw 315 such that spring 360 biases release arm 350 toward upper jaw315, about pivot point 351 in a counter clockwise direction.

FIGS. 6 and 9 show side cross-sectional views of the clamping mechanismand release arm of an apparatus according to the present invention in anopen position and closed position, respectively. To use connector 1000,a user pulls handle 330 of clamping mechanism 300 of connector 1000toward body 310 of clamping mechanism 300. As handle 330 moves towardbody 310, inner link 340 moves upward, and the pivot point 341 of innerlink 340 moves toward component 100 until the mechanism 300 is locked.When mechanism 300 is locked, lower jaw 320 pivots and clamps theconnection tab 130 of component 100 between upper jaw 315 and lower jaw320. Additionally, spring 345, disposed between body 310 and link 340 iscompressed.

Referring again to FIGS. 6 and 9, after jaws 315 and 320 clamp tab 130of component 100 a compressive load is generated on inner link 340 ashappens in a pair of locking pliers. This load holds connector 1000 in alocked position until the line tension reaches the predetermined releaselevel.

Turning now to FIGS. 11 through 13, the installation process ofconnector 1000 is shown. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the quick releaseconnector 1000 is hung on the tensioned power line and secured to theline using two swing arms 500 pre-assembled on the arm. FIG. 12 shows aclose up view of swing arms 500.

After swing arms 500 are secured to the power line. Wedge connectors 120and 220 are installed on each end of the mechanism (as shown for examplein FIG. 1). Next, the power line is cut in two places between wedges 120and 220 via conventional line cutting means, and the cut section of thepower line is removed from the assembly, forcing the electrical currentto flow through connector 1000.

Returning to FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, as a force is applied to the power linesegments a longitudinal component of that force is generated. Thelongitudinal component of the force urges component 100 and component200 laterally apart at connecting point 352. When connector 1000experiences a longitudinal load (or line tension) of predeterminedamount the force is transferred through jaws 315 and 320 at one end ofconnector 1000 and through line attachment point 352 at an opposing enduntil release arm 350 rotates about pivot 351 causing an upward force oncompression spring 360 which compresses spring 360 and allows releasearm 350 to rotate thereby removing the compressive load on inner link340 (similar to loosening the adjustment screw on the end of a pair oflocking pliers) and allowing spring 345 to urge link 340 out of a lockedposition. Thus, when the compressive load is removed from the inner link340, the lower jaw 320 rotates such that it moves apart from tab 130.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, release arm 350 issized to provide an 8:1 mechanical advantage such that spring 360experiences ⅛ the load applied to line attachment point 352 on releasearm 350. To autonomously sense the tension in the line, the releasetension is pre-set during manufacturing by pre-loading the compressionspring. For example, with an 8:1 mechanical advantage, a 2,000-poundrelease tension would require a 250-pound spring pre-set.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-13, mechanism 300 of connector 1000 furthercomprises electricity conductive line 400 disposed across mechanism 300to provide a low resistance electrical path between power lineconnection 220 to jaws 315 and 320 of connector 300. Power then flowsfrom component 200 through connector 300 and connection tab 130 ofcomponent 100 when jaws 315 and 320 clamp connection tab 130. In anexemplary embodiment, jaws 315 and 320 clamp connection tab 130 suchthat there is a contact area that is at least as great as (andpreferably greater than) the functional cross-sectional area of theapplicable power line. This arrangement provides a path of relativelylow electrical resistance through connector 300. An alternative designwould be to use a more electrically conductive material for line 400than used in the power lines.

Connector 1000 of the present invention interfaces with existingdistribution grid systems, and both ends are attached using currentlyused wedge connectors. The design of connector 300 of the presentinvention allows it to utilize any desired mechanical advantagepredetermined release tension. Accordingly, connector 300 can be handlatched with a small force but still exert a much greater force ontoconnector tab 130.

Those of skill in the art will appreciate, that many other embodimentsexist within the scope of the present invention. For example, thepresent invention may be oriented in any desired direction. Moreover,the present invention may comprise a separate clamping mechanism 300 ora clamping component 300 that is fixedly attached to component 200. Anysuitable electrically conductive and mechanically durable materials maybe used to construct the present invention.

The above-described embodiments are merely exemplary illustrations setforth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Manyvariations, combinations, modifications, or equivalents may besubstituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of theinvention. It should be understood, therefore, that the abovedescription is of an exemplary embodiment of the invention and includedfor illustrative purposes only. The description of the exemplaryembodiment is not meant to be limiting of the invention. A person ofordinary skill in the field of the invention or the relevant technicalart will understand that variations of the invention are included withinthe scope of the claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A quick release connector for tensionedpower lines, the connector comprising: a body, said body having a firstend and a second end; an upper jaw attached to said body at the firstend of said body, said upper jaw having a working surface; a lower jawhaving a working surface, said lower jaw pivotally attached to said bodysuch that said upper working surface and said lower jaw working surfaceare movable relative to one another; a handle, said handle having afirst end and a second end where said first end of said handle ispivotally attached to said lower jaw; a compression spring, said springdisposed to bias said first end of said release arm toward said firstend of said body; an inner link pivotally attached to the handle andslidingly engaged with said body such that when said handle and saidbody are moved together the working surfaces of the jaws clamps thesecond end of the first component and such that the mechanism locks inplace when pivot point of the link is sufficiently moved to impose acompressive load on the inner link; a spring, said spring disposedbetween the handle and the body to apply a starting force to a releasearm, said release arm having a first end and a second end, said secondend of said release arm pivotally attached to said second end of saidbody, the release arm arranged to rotate about its pivot point upon theapplication of a predetermined magnitude of force where said rotationmoves the link thereby disengaging the clamp mechanism.
 2. A method ofpreventing structural damage to utility poles, said method comprisingthe steps of: providing a quick release connector for tensioned powerlines, the connector comprising a first component, said first componentattached to a power line segment; a second component attached to asecond generally collinear power line segment, said second componentcomprising a locking clamp mechanism that selectively clamps the firstcomponent and automatically releases upon the application of alongitudinal force of predetermined magnitude along the clamp; attachingsaid quick release connector to a power line in two places; cutting thepower line between the two connection points; and removing the cut powerline segment.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the first componentfurther comprises a tab.
 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the lockingclamp further comprises a pair of moving jaws that clamp onto said firstcomponent.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the jaws attach to thefirst component with a contact area that is at least equal to thefunctional cross-sectional area of one of the attached power lines. 6.The method of claim 4, wherein the jaws attach to the first componentwith a contact area that is greater than the functional cross-sectionalarea of one of the attached power lines.
 7. The method of claim 2,wherein said first component and said second component are connected toa power line via an electrical line wedge connector.
 8. The method ofclaim 2, wherein said first component and said second component areconnected to a power line via an electrical line crimp connector.